We had done it 6 days chock full of sights and wonders! I am as ready as I can be but I know the elevation gains and descents on a few of the sections are going to be tough. Finally we got a break with cooler Fall temperatures arriving. The sad outcome of the phone call was that a meeting was not immediately arranged. interesting to read this link mostly it seems to be accurate but i guess it depends as you say on the number of people in the property and the season. But truthfully it was one of these most challenging, tiring but exhilarating experiences of my adult life. We viewed a couple of prospective homes in Tufillo but they didnt meet our criteria. The weather was definitely hotter than the posted averages, and with John and I not being happy hot weather hikers, it was tough at times. Very exciting news. Navigating Life in Abruzzo | Not Really Expats Living the Dream Technically, we did a walk in the Parco Nazionale della Majella. So here we go together as we navigate through this journey with eyes wide open. I most likely will never become fluent at my age, but will be able to contribute to the conversation. Though it is not a circular route, and car transporting is necessary, its such a spectacular cammino, how could we not do it! For those of you thinking of moving to rural Italy, and in my limited experience, to Abruzzo, you may need to have a tribe. John opened up the narrow doorway between these two rooms with an archway for an elegant look. His love and devotion reached deep into our hearts and souls, making the journey from here over the Rainbow Bridge a difficult but precious one during his last few weeks. We were required to train with the group 50% per month and training was every Saturday night or Sunday day. They said they did and that they were his daughters! After such a hot, dry summer, with treks and hikes difficult by mid-day, Im in a hiking frenzy. I am thankful that I was able to serve the community of Virginia and very thankful for the gift of my four great dogs. The trail undulated through lovely forests, across footbridges, always taking us towards the top of the valley. This was early May and we figured that maybe by mid July or so we would have some interest with serious buyers arriving in Abruzzo for the summer months. These rooms were traded back and forth amongst families and neighbors throughout generations, and ownership could be by a handshake, word of mouth or who has the lock on the door. John did all the refurbishing, maintenance, cleaned the bathroom and kitchen, vacuumed. I used all the information that Alberto collected along withFamilysearch.org,Ancestry.co,Ancestry.it, andantenati.san.beniculturali.itfor my research. Family can unintentionally instill a drive inside us. Onward to our destination, we passed many free-ranging horses enjoying the mountain pastures. It is peaceful and true to history and Italian culture. Then there were the solid bonds built between me and the people of SAR, whether in my group or throughout the state. He is the type of mountain guide you can trust with you life, but also a fun guy who shares his wealth of knowledge and absolute love of the mountains with you. We were in our municipality and felt like we were on another adventure, locating trails that all the local hunters already know about. But the deal was too good to pass up, the views outstanding and the house was move-in ready. Being more of an outdoors person, nothing offered at my church seemed to call to me. How did we get from putting our house on the market in May to this point? Floor tiles would be a continuation of the hall project. A clan is agroupofpeopleofcommondescent;family. We purchased special epoxy tile paint (online from Leroy Merlin supplies) to cover the pink & brown flowered tiles with a cream color, while other original tiles where covered with a stunning faux stone porcelain purchased from same building supply in Gissi. All these individuals become part of your support network and many lifetime friends. Ill bring many of my potted plants and flowers and I have lots of trails, fields and woods to hike in just a step away from the house. John had a few projects, one being a retaining wall between us and our neighbors field. The movers will arrive at the end of this month to take our larger pieces of furnitureOh.. and if youre wondering, we are taking the statue of St. Joseph to our new house. So we had three great years, with exceptional ratings by Airbnb & Booking.com. It was amazing. The times I mentioned this to my mother, she would discount the notion, saying that Italy was dirty and poor, even though she had never visited it herself. A dream realized. With only 10 shy of 1000-strong inhabitants, Schiavi di Abruzzo is just the tonic for a quiet, pleasant retirement location. Bursting with history and character, the town is known for its finely crafted, uniquely decorated stone houses and for some beautiful panoramic views. The three-storey property available here is an excellent getaway. Forum for Expats Living in Italy on Expat Exchange. WebThis program aims to incentivise both foreign and Italian pensioners to take up residency in the south of Italy, and in Calabria, Sicily and Sardinia, in particular, by offering them a 10-year tax holiday on their retirement income for spending a minimum of 6 months per year in their Italian home. No, I have not forgotten my fathers side of that family. And Giacomos family.. a triple blessing. All of this ties me closer to my family. The image below is one page of 4 of my spreadsheet. Searches could be anywhere in the state of Virginia. So why, apart from missing my 4 great dogs, would this be important enough to write about? The leaves were just changing and the temperatures were cool with the rain. If you can build your language skills quickly, depending on your age or gift for languages, you will not be stuck at this wall for long. We kept them within 1- 1/2 hr driving distance from home. I felt I had to substantiate my claim as a De Felice. I thought Id share some of what we have been doing to prepare for this chock full of hermitages, amazing scenery, medieval villages, deep valleys, jaw-dropping mountains and of course great food 90 km 6 day walk in the Parco Nazionale della Majella. The cammino is well marked, but I always err on the side of being prepared. Not sure of the exact terminology but it was definitely a deep fissure in the landscape. Day 6 has come upon us. We planned to visit the US and family planned to come to see us but then COVID hit and plans were crushed. What you will find, though, if you Italian is limited or if they only speak a dialect, your conversation will inevitably hit a wall at some point. WebIf you are looking to connect with Irish expats in Abruzzo, Italy, then this page brings together all the latest expat blogs Abruzzo written by Irish bloggers, any interviews, We knew that we wanted to be closer to my cousins in San Salvo, so we checked out some towns closer to the sea. Whether you have settled as an expat in Italy or are still living in the United States of America and planning your upcoming foreign assignment, InterNations Italy We gave the apartment a name: Case Serre Holiday Apartment; Serre being the neighborhood that we lived in. We first rented a farmhouse in a small town about 15 minutes from the Adriatic Sea just north of Pescara. Our first hermitage San Onofrio Al Morrone was just a short hike up the trail from the Abbey where it clings precariously to the side of the mountain over looking Badia, Sulmona and the Valle Peligna. Training with the group, traveling long distance, the time commitment and doing statewide searches had to be put on hold for about 5 years. The regions climate is mild in the coastal areas but rainier and harsher the further inland you live. It is called La Valle DellOrfento. Doesnt mean I understand all the words as they speedily talk along, but I understand the gist of what is being said. And just before this new lockdown came into force, I got in two separate hikes, one with girlfriends and the other with John, to Monte Pallano with its daunting Megalithic Wall and breathtaking views of the Majella. There we headed back up to this amazing structure in the cliffside. This town is at the edge of Abruzzo with Molise (the next region south of us) just across the Trigno River. But at our age retirementwe just didnt need the hassle. When it comes to The 7 Best Places to Retire in Italy 2022 Guide to Living in Italy Pros and Cons of Living in Italy 2022 2022 Guide to Moving to Italy More Advice about Retiring in I had been actively looking for a volunteer group to join, to give back to the community where I was living in central Virginia. . I hope you enjoyed this posting and please let me know if you have any questions about how and why we do what we do here. Friends dream but reality of a busy life in the US prevented them from coming over. Apart from the stringent COVID cleaning regulations, which most days left me exhausted, there was the lack of privacy. They appeared too crowded for us with the summer influx of second homeowners and tourists. There are also the friendships made from people youve seen throughout your travels in the SAR community. The day closed with us returning through pastures in the cold rain as evening approached. There was search strategy & scent theory, First Aid, dog obedience, multiple search tests for both my dog and I, radio comms, evac strategies and techniques, the list goes on and on. Would I do this again not at my age all within 6 days. I think if we had done this fulltime while we were younger, it may not have been so taxing. I missed all the amazing stories Grandpa Carlo had to share, and now it is too late, sadly to say. Moving not an easy process as many of you have experienced. It was a night training. Both days had perfect weather, far-reaching views to the Majella and Adriatic, and stirring remains of civilizations and inhabitants long gone. They so love to work when their rewards are food, toys and praise Training with them was always the best part of SAR for me, and their devotion to me and their work unfathomable. We realized, after the first season, we had to set a minimum of 2 nights for a booking. We would start in Polignano a Mare and complete the trek in Taranto. And how are Pierre and Sofie now back from the kennel and acclimating to the new house? After a long, precarious, rocky descent, we reached our final destination of the cammino: Abbazia Di San Liberatore in Serramonacesca. Once again, Oscar, our host, gave us a wonderful recommendation for dinner. This evenings stop, the B&B in Centro a Pacentro, was just what we needed: quiet, lovely views, center of town, gracious hosts. The access point to our next hermitage, San Bartolomeo in Legio, was via a narrow steep descent into a canyon. But let me back up a bit prior to this new lockdown. You may gather that I was excited when Angela set a date for coffee at her fathers house. Our go-to source for tile at a reasonable price delivered was Edilizia Del Gesso srl in nearby Gissi, a great family-run builders supply company. Of course, you can do this cammino with a tent, but we just needed a vacation with a bit of comfort and pampering. During this summer, I continued my studies with Italy Made Easy Academy online lessons. Compliments to Francesco Consoli and Elio Roma (and all those involved with the trail work)! We were surprised at the diversity, open plains, rocky trails through scrub growth, wide grassy roads through groves of ancient olive trees. We did drop off our pets at the kennel, met up with Alex to ride-share from end town (Serramonacesca) and parked our car for the week. Socks that Ive found work best for my feet are Smartwool and Darn Sock. We are in a lockdown now, just a softer one. And as our older cousins are unable to travel to Rocca in their advancing years, it just made good sense for us to cut the drive time so we could visit them more often. A chance to cool off, marvel in the construction, share in its beauty with other hikers and families before we started our climb out of the canyon. Im experimenting with summer weight wool tops, which do not retain odor as other fabrics. It was so heartening to see young adults getting gardening instruction as we walked past them early in the morning. I love my pack and have fiddled with it until I have the straps just right for this load of stuff Ill be carrying. Wed greet our guests across the courtyard, but we all maintained our distance. A journey; a bit daunting, a little scary but full of exciting possibilities.Family heritage and just an outright love of Italy and all that encompasses has led us to this exciting beginning. I hope that some of you reading this posting will consider either doing the cammino in its entirety or parts. Weve been pushing hard on updates, as we have decided to sell our home here in Roccaspinalveti and move closer to the Adriatic Sea, in turn being closer to my San Salvo cousins. Even a bit nervous. WebAbruzzo is a region to the east of Rome, characterised by majestic mountain ranges, rugged coastline, charming medieval villages and vibrant city centres. We were determined to visit the quieter towns to truly experience Italy, and not the regular tourist stops. The house is on the market with the wonderful agency out of San Salvo Abruzzo Rural Property. A friend of mine in search and rescue had a motto and she also had her license plate saying something like this: Its Only Walking. During this time, I found out that I had cousins from my mothers family living in San Salvo. The stretch, sited several meters above the ground and about 40 cm wide ( 16 inches), is not protected, therefore, the entrance is only recommended to people who are adequately equipped and trained. It doesnt have to be a large tribe, but one that gives meaning to my day, my existence here in Italy. Loads of fun and I encourage you to watch if you enjoy beautiful places to stay and food porn! I will explain that decision in a bit. One final hike to share with you today and I thank you for your indulgence. John finished painting the house and it glowed. All my clothes can be washed with me in the shower and dry in a matter of a few hours tops. Our two favorites were Ristorante Antiche Mura in Polignano and Gaonas in Martina Franca. We had many positive reviews and high scores with both Booking.com and Airbnb. Finding this home here in the Frentani Mountains of Abruzzo, didnt actually scream downsize. The accommodations were lovely with our gracious host, Oscar. WebItaly is beloved by expats, global nomads and retirees. Its situated on the spine of a ridge, and just a few minutes out of town, there are lots of hiking trails and country roads to be discovered. We all headed back up to the main trail and onward to Rifugio Di Marco and the meadows of the Majelletta. I didnt do a lot of mountain hiking until I was an adult, but the hook had been set. Even after six years of living in this beautiful country, John says, I still If he is spending 400 on rent. I wanted you, my reader, to have glimpse into this unforgettable week, so you could also feel a part of this, and maybe someday step out on these trails. As this was Johns last major project inside, he went to tackle the outside house painting. But I would need some help to do this. Guests had instructions sent to them prior to arrival and also instructions in the apartment. Through the months of September and October, John and I enjoyed at least one or two hikes together per week. They include Liguria, Puglia, Rome, Le Marche, Abruzzo, Sicily and more. 3. Finishing a lavish breakfast, situated on the terrace with a stunning view of the town, we gave our appreciation to Alberto and started up the trail to Passo Leonardo. We knew these 6 days would be a challenge, but oh so rewarding. Today the landscape changed from yesterdays field crops to more pastureland and dairy farms but still plenty of groves of olives and almonds and of course, the architecturally unique trulli. Italy has always been welcoming to foreigners who wish to buy property in their Our dogs will always be a part of us. Our lovely host, Marisa, bubbles with enthusiasm for the love of local foods, the heritage of the area, and the opportunity to chat with guests. 2.2K members Join group About this group Expats living in Abruzzo & Molise is an international social network It was an intensely hot climb to the hamlet and cold drinks awaited us and cool rooms to relax at Agri Pietrantica. We had guests who came to relax and hardly leave the property. , Until next time, thank you always for stopping here at my blog to catch up on our adventureshope you are having a great summer! Thank you, Pasquale for your passion with food! Now what should we do with the apartment below us? It is everchanging depending on the weather and lighting and I just cant get enough. And Fall is of course harvest time here, whether its tomatoes, peppers, corn, olives, grapes. Between the jungle, wildlife, and ever-changing Corozal Bay, I never tire of taking my surroundings in. This hike was just before lockdown and we were legal. We felt that the kitchen space, hallways and eventually the master bathroom should all flow with one tile. One more river crossing before the hermitage and some slippery rocks took Alex down into the water. A 19th century painting of Vasto, one of many hill towns in the Italian province of Abruzzo. We can dream and make plans in the hope that restrictions will eventually be lifted. Paola located her dad, and we had a few wondrous minutes chatting away. I may have not been active in search and rescue for the past 4- 1/2 years living here in Italy, but with Romeo by my side, we never truly left that life. I found some of my clan (now a part of my tribe) my mothers family. Thankfully just wet boots and socks, no major bumps and we climbed a short steep path to the remnants of the hermitage San Onofrio AllOrfento. As we are very avid promoters of this area, we then decided to offer the apartment on Airbnb & Booking.com. The location gave us plenty of excellent choices for dinner, time to visit the historic center and a good launching point for tomorrows first stage (tappa). John opted to watch our packs, as he and I both started this cammino with compromised knees due to recent injuries. Throughout my 27 years of active service, I never stopped learning. WebIrish Expats In Abruzzo, Italy If you are looking to connect with Irish expats in Abruzzo, Italy, then this page brings together all the latest expat blogs Abruzzo written by Irish bloggers, any interviews, articles and news items we have here at ExpatsBlog.com. So to reconnect and add joy to my life, Im building a tribe of English and Italian speaking friends. We have found a house but not just any house. In fact, my mothers father, Carlo De Felice, was born in San Salvo, only 40 minutes from where I live now in Italy. The perks were many: meeting wonderful folks, promoting the area and artists, offering a relaxing and comfortable accommodation where only one B&B existed in town, and having extra income to help with our upgrades in our home. Then a shimmy back out to the staircase and great accomplishment goes to her! Many settle in larger cities such as Florence. We do it for many reasons and I have to say that we are a bit tired and overwhelmed, but so very happy. A number of ultralight hikers do a spreadsheet with everything broken down in grams to lbs and I just love spreadsheets! It will be a small adjustment as I havent lived without a garden and some land around me in almost 50 years, but Im ready. After a short visit, we returned to the valley trail then picked up a route to take us out of the valley to the hamlet of Decontra. The bathroom consists of two rooms joined by a very narrow opening. We will keep you posted as things progress with our next exciting adventure. And during this search for my family, John received his Italian citizenship by being married to me (Jure Matrimonii). hi all i,ll be in abruzzo mar 10 for three weeks hoping to find somewhere to buy for holiday home semi retirement been in building trade years have great practical skills but the beaurocracy of buying ahouse to renovate seems daunting all the websites seem to tell me to definately use a lawyer and geometra but some say not neccessary by all Finding a property in the Abruzzo region gives you a perfect passport to some peaceful and tranquil country life. This astounding villa not only provides some amazing views, it's also close to the National Park of the Gran Sasso. At the moment, this property is used as a B&B, so what you do with it is up to you. What a blessing! True that some of my younger cousins do speak some English and they wanted to practice their language skills, but most of the day was in Italian. All three of us were way too tired to even think about driving home, so we spent the night at our starting bed and breakfast, B&B La Dimora. Ancient olive groves, fields of salad and many other vegetables, grapes, trulli, wonderful lunch with Maria (Trulli alla controra)..the list is long of all the wonderful experiences today. Alex did an amazing job skimming along the narrow trail on her belly and entering the small hermitage. Movement is allowed around our municipality for necessities and health reasons, exercise being one of those reasons. I do have to say our feet are a tiny bit tired. One of the biggest surprises of today, which absolutely wowed the three of us, was walking through the expansive area of shepherd huts ( le capanne in pietra a secco) and pasture enclosures of dry stone, hundreds and hundreds of acres. The good news, after many months, is that we can now move throughout our region as well as Italy and beyond. So how did we find this gem of a house? I knew how to have a dog as a pet, but to train it to search and locate lost people, a new world opened up to me.

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